Zembrin Supplement Reviews, Uses, Dosages & Side Effects

Zembrin is a patented extract of the herb Sceletium tortuosum, which is a succulent plant that grows in South Africa.

Also known as kanna, Sceletium roots are traditionally chewed after being fermented in order to relieve stress, ease anxiety and enhance mood.

Sceletium can be used in many forms, such as tea, tinctures and snuff, but Zembrin provides consumers with a convenient way to use this herb as an oral supplement.

Zembrin capsules contain a 2:1 concentration of Sceletium extract that typically offers a dosage amount of 25 MG.

One of the most popular supplements that contains this ingredient is the Procera Mood product. In addition to Zemrbin, this supplement also contains Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, American Ginseng and B Vitamins important for mood balance.

According to the manufacturers of Procera Mood, this ingredient “is a clinically studied plant extract that supports neural circuits involved in processing emotions.”

Those who want to use Zembrin for anxiety, depression or other purposes should learn more about the way this supplement works and read user reviews. They should also understand the effects it might have and the possible side effects it is associated with.

Kanna

Herbal Extract

Mood

Calm

Sleep

How It Works:

• Exhibits anxiolytic effects
• Used traditionally for relaxation
• Contains mesembrine alkaloids with weak sedative effects

Dosage:

No standardized dosage

Safety:

Insufficient research available

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Uses and Effects of Zembrin

Zembrin is marketed as a product that enhances mood, reduces the symptoms of depression or anxiety, improves sleep and benefits cognition.

Developed by HG&H Pharmaceuticals, Zembrin has a self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the U.S. [1] It has been the subject of several research studies to determine its effects on anxiety, depression and cognition.

Zembrin works by increasing the availability of serotonin and dopamine in the body. These neurotransmitters are associated with positive mood changes, improved sleep quality and improved cognition.

The Sceletium tortuosum in Zembrin contains alkaloids, known as mesembrine and mesembrenone, that act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which helps support higher amounts of this neurotransmitter.

These alkaloids also help promote higher levels of dopamine in the body. Mesembrenone also acts as a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, which helps support improved cognition and provides anti-inflammatory effects.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Zembrin is rated Possibly Effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety. However, more studies on this product are needed to validate whether it works clinically.

Zembrin has not been approved as a drug by the FDA for the treatment of any medical conditions.

A 2013 study in Neuropsychopharmacology supported claims that Zembrin exhibits serotonin reuptake inhibitor and PDE4 inhibitor properties.

These properties are believed to produce anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety, effects and could help in the management of symptoms of depression. [3]

Zembrin might have benefits for supporting general cognition and has been studied for its effects on managing cognitive decline in those with Alzheimer’s dementia.

A 2014 study that appeared in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicated that Zembrin improved executive function and cognitive flexibility in adults between the ages of 45 and 65. Researchers believe that these effects might be related to the ability of Zembrin to lower anxiety levels. [4]

This proprietary herbal extract might also be effective at supporting healthy sleep patterns. A 2013 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that Zembrin given to healthy adults was effective at improving sleep quality. [5]

Zembrin Supplement Reviews

Zembrin is available for purchase from some online retailers, although Amazon, GNC and other major retailers do not carry this product.

This product typically comes in the form of capsules that provide 25 MG of standardized Sceletium tortuosum extract per dose.

Consumers should be aware that there are no standard dosage guidelines of Sceletium available from medical authorities. Instead, prospective users should talk to their doctor about a safe Zembrin dosage based on their age, health and other factors.

Studies have been conducted using doses that range between 8 and 25 MG per dose. These studies were not associated with any major adverse effects or side effects of Zembrin when used in healthy adults in those dosage amounts.

A moderate percentage of consumers who use Zembrin report that this supplement does improve mood and promote feelings of calmness, which helped relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Consumers also reported that this product was effective for improving some cognitive abilities, such as focus and concentration, and promoting better sleep quality.

A small percentage of consumers who take Zembrin indicated that this product is ineffective at improving mood, sleep and cognition.

Risks of Taking Zembrin

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database has not given Zembrin a safety rating due to a lack of reliable research information available to assess health risks. [2]

The use of Zembrin in pregnant women and women who are nursing is not recommended due to uncertainty about the effects of this product. Consumers should see a doctor before using Zembrin.

Although the results of a 2013 study that appeared in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine indicated that Zembrin was generally well tolerated when used in healthy adults for 3 months, it can produce mild side effects. [5]

Both user reviews and research studies indicate that these possible side effects include appetite loss, headaches and respiratory issues. In some individuals, Zembrin was associated with depression.

Those who take Zembrin for depression should note that this product has the potential to cause harmful effects when taken with antidepressants that act as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

This combination can lead to high levels of serotonin and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Supplements with sedative properties, including 5-HTP and kava, might cause increased drowsiness when used with Zembrin.

Consumers who take antidepressants or supplements should consult their doctor before taking Zembrin or any other products that have Sceletium as an ingredient.

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